Tri-City Crime Trends

TRI-CITIES, Wash. - There is no question that police around the Tri-Cities keep busy, from minor calls to violent crimes they see it all.

Thursday afternoon law enforcement leaders from Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton County, and Franklin County meet to discuss the crime issues that are affecting their communities.

According to police statistics violent crimes are up in the Tri-Cities and across the country. There are over 200,000 people living in our community and law enforcement respond to thousands and thousands of calls.

Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenberg said there are a number of reasons why violent crimes are up in the Tri-Cities. He said, "Everything from domestic violence situations to criminal gang activity and a lot is centered around the drug use throughout the Tri-Cities."

Police said that meth labs are down significantly but report that consumption is still a major problem.

Benton County Sheriff Larry Taylor said, "The meth problem is not just here in the state but, the nation as a whole has reached epidemic levels."